Platelets are central to inflammation-related manifestations of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as atherosclerosis. Platelet-activating factor (PAF), thrombin, thromboxane A₂ (TxA₂), and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) are some of the key agonists of platelet activation that are at the intersection between a plethora of inflammatory pathways that modulate pro-inflammatory and coagulation processes. The aim of this article is to review the role of platelets and the relationship between their structure, function, and the interactions of their constituents in systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis. Antiplatelet therapies are discussed with a view to primary prevention of CVD by the clinical reduction of platelet reactivity and inflammation. Current antiplatelet therapies are effective in reducing cardiovascular risk but increase bleeding risk. Novel therapeutic antiplatelet approaches beyond current pharmacological modalities that do not increase the risk of bleeding require further investigation. There is potential for specifically designed nutraceuticals that may become safer alternatives to pharmacological antiplatelet agents for the primary prevention of CVD but there is serious concern over their efficacy and regulation, which requires considerably more research.

血小板是动脉粥样硬化等心血管疾病 (CVD) 炎症相关表现的核心。血小板活化因子 (PAF)、凝血酶、血栓素 A ₂ (TxA ₂₎) 和二磷酸腺苷 (ADP) 是血小板活化的一些关键激动剂，它们处于大量调节促炎和凝血过程的炎症途径之间的交叉点。本文的目的是回顾血小板的作用及其结构、功能之间的关系，以及它们的成分在全身炎症和动脉粥样硬化中的相互作用。讨论抗血小板治疗的目的是通过临床减少血小板反应性和炎症来一级预防 CVD。目前的抗血小板疗法可有效降低心血管风险，但会增加出血风险。新的治疗性抗血小板方法超出了目前的药理学方式，不会增加出血风险，需要进一步研究。